Sound Sales Advice!

Tuesday, 22 December 2009

AnnMarie O'Connor-Stylist & fashion blogger:-

According to her website - http://iblogfashion.blogspot.com/"I've been a style writer for more years than is fashionable to mention. Suffice to say I have worked with the likes of The Irish Examiner, RTE, Dazed and Confused, Elle, Trace, Image, IF, The Dubliner, The Irish Independent, Prudence, ChicToday.com and iVenus.com interviewing designers, chasing trends, styling, profiling and lying about my spiralling shoe habit. My mantra - burn the tracksuit honey and learn to walk in a pair of damn heels. Life's too short not to look tall and fabulous. Mwah! Lovin' your work. Xxx"

Annmarie is a freelance fashion writer, blogger and personal stylist. Her credits include The Irish Examiner, Elle, Dazed and Confused, Image, Trace, IF, The Irish Independent, Chictoday.com and iVenus.com.

Over the past 8 years she has interviewed the likes of Terry de Havilland, Zandra Rhodes and Ben de Lisi, and has gained a cult following with her blog: I Blog Fashion which is being made into a book. She is also the organiser of the monthly Fashion Bloggers' Brunch events in Dublin

1.'So last season'

Things not to buy in the sales

. Sequins - SS10 sess glitz and more subtle embellishment. Big Shoulders - the 80s are dead; SS10 sees a more slouchy boyfriend blazer on the radar. Studs - the hard edge has been replaced with a softer, more feminine look. Clutch bags - SS10 is practical and casual with the cross-body making a comeback

2.'Will live another day'

Things that will possibly last through 2010

3.'Eternally stylish'

Investment pieces that will never date

"Will live another day"

The jumpsuit continues to be a big trend for yet another season! Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney and Halston all featured the 'onesy' on the catwalks. Be sure to bag one in the sales!

Outfit 1:-

. Jumpsuit, was €170; now €85, French Connection. Gold ring, was €12; now €6, Miss Selfridge

Leather jackets and skinny jeans are a fashionista staple. What's more, both military and leather continue to be a big looks for 2010 as seen on D&G and Balenciaga catwalks.

Outfit 2:-

. Military jacket, was €120; now €65, A|wear . Skinny jeans, were €25; now €15, A|wear

The trench is a wardrobe staple - both stylish and practical; also big news for 2010 as seen on D&G and Burberry catwalks.

Outfit 3:-

. Beige trench coat, was €90 now €59, Wallis On the Mannequins:. Jacquard bow bandeau dress, was €45 now €25, A|wear . Boyfriend blazer, was €160 now €106, French Connection

Our final section is "Eternally Stylish"- pieces that will never date so feel free to invest some cash here.

Jeans are a lifetime staple and when you work out cost per wear on good jeans, they often work out at quite the bargain. However- you don't always need to spend a fortune as it's fit that matters rather than price.

The George Davies jeans at Arnotts are great as you choose the bum fit that works for you.Updating the jeans for SS10 is simple - add some Urban Traveller influences- taking inspiration from Africa and the Far East, jewellery is an easy way to update any outfit at little expense.

A great shift dress will never date - a timeless classic that can be hauled out for any occasion!

Outfit 5:-

. Teal shift dress, was €145 now €58, French Connection. Silver belt, was €60 now €24, French Connection

Designer dresses/shoes are a joy to wear on special occasions, but few of us ever have the cash to splash on something that costs a small fortune. The sales are a great opportunity to invest in a designer piece without having to fork out full price.

A|WEARDate: Thursday, December 24thTimes: 10 amPercentage off: up to 50% off Best bargain buys:Gold dress - was €45; now €30Blazer - was €60; now €40Bag - was €30; now €20Jumpsuit - was €45; now €30Stockists: Grafton Street 01 472 4960; and other branches

. The early bird catches the bargain. If you're the first in, you're more likely to find what you want without the hassle of crowds. Staff will also have more time to help.

. Tackle department stores first; then filter out to boutiques and smaller shops. Bigger stores generally do bigger sales as they need to get rid of old stock and make room for the new.

. Stay focused. Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Allow yourself two transgressions (ie, things you don't need) but no more. Sales have a frenzied effect on people and their credit cards. If in doubt, repeat the word 'recession' five times.

. Don't be swayed by trends. By definition they change which will render your look 'last season'.

. Stores have either one-off or progressive markdowns. IF you really want something, then buy it. Don't wait in hope for a markdown. Nothing is worse than a love lost.

. Opt for trans-seasonal pieces. Think bargainista-style and buy what will take you from winter to spring/summer 10. Fringing, statement necklaces and harem pants are all good bets. Keep those jumpsuits too - they're still sticking around, as will mac coats and Breton stripes.

. Check online. If you can't find that high street dress in your size, maybe it's available to buy on their website or fashion e-tailers like Asos.com."